Regarding Real Estate LLC
Regarding Real Estate LLC
Johnna Brown, Regarding Real Estate LLCPhone: (603) 930-9927
Email: JJBrownProperties@gmail.com

Checklist for buying a house: What to do once you find the perfect home

by Johnna Brown 02/28/2025

If you’re ready to become a homeowner, it’s a good idea to create a checklist for buying a house. It can be especially beneficial to make a list of what to do once you find your dream home.

While the house hunting might be over, the next stage of your home buying process has just begun. Here is a simple checklist to help you stay organized when buying a home:

Schedule a home inspection

A professional home inspection will alert you to any major problems or maintenance issues the house might have. During the home inspection, the inspector will examine the property from top to bottom and make note of issues. You can use this report to negotiate with the seller if necessary.

Purchase homeowners insurance

Most mortgage lenders will require you to get homeowners insurance before closing on a home. Luckily, many insurance providers offer multiple types of insurance. You may be able to get a policy from a provider you already work with.

Get a professional home appraisal

Home appraisals are another step in the process arranged by your mortgage lender. A home appraisal will determine the property value based on a careful evaluation of the home’s conditions and features. Your real estate agent might be able to coordinate the appraisal for you.

Make a final review

You’ll get a final chance to visit and inspect the property in person before closing. This allows you to confirm everything is up to standards agreed upon in your contract. It’s a good idea to test things like light switches, doors and faucets just in case.

Prepare for closing day

Once the big day arrives, you’ll need to have several things with you to ensure a smooth closing process. For example, make sure you have photo identification for everybody listed on the loan, a cashier’s check for final closing costs, proof of insurance and official closing documentation. You should also have your real estate agent or real estate lawyer present to represent you.

Finding the perfect home can feel like a dream come true. However, it’s important to stay organized to prevent possible logistical nightmares. Keep these steps in mind for completing your home buying process as smoothly as possible.

About the Author
Author

Johnna Brown

 Johnna grew up in Amherst NH and still has strong ties to the Amherst & Mont Vernon Communities. Johnna moved to Manchester at 19 when she purchased her 1st home. She has resided in the West Side of Manchester since 2007. Always having a strong interest in real estate, Johnna and her husband, Jeff, started investing in rental properties in 2017 with the purchase of a 2 bedroom condo in Manchester. They now own 10 properties with the goal of growing to 60 total rental properties. In 2020 Johnna and Jeff started adding short term rentals to their portfolio focusing in the NH Lakes Region and Southern Maine Coast. Johnna achieved Airbnb Super Host and VRBO Premier Host status within the first year. 

From May to October Johnna divides her time between Manchester, NH and her beach cottage in Wells Maine. Johnna’s extensive experience with both long term and short-term rental properties makes her the ideal real estate agent to help you start or build your real estate investment portfolio. Johnna works with a lot of home owners selling their homes and buying homes simultaneously and also sellers relocating out of the area. 

Johnna prides herself in being hard working, dependable and down to earth. In her free time, she enjoys reading, jigsaw puzzles and spending time outdoors with her husband, dogs and friends.